Battleground Republican declares he is ‘stronger than ever’ as he addresses scrutiny over missed votes
Representative Tom Kean Jr. says he is “stronger than ever” as he seeks re-election in New Jersey’s competitive 7th District, responding to scrutiny over missed congressional votes during a months-long hospital stay. He said the absence followed a medical emergency and disclosed that he had been treated for depression, saying he wanted to help reduce stigma around mental health care.
Kean returned to the House in June after being absent since early March, missing more than 100 votes; a related headline cited 135 missed roll calls. His absence prompted calls for transparency from lawmakers in both parties and became an issue for Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett. Kean also highlighted bipartisan work in New Jersey on equal insurance coverage for mental and physical health treatment and said he is pursuing similar efforts in Washington.
In short
- Kean says he feels stronger after treatment for depression.
- He missed more than 100 votes during his hospital stay.
- His absence has become an issue in a competitive re-election race.
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The case for
Kean’s supporters can argue that a medical emergency and treatment for depression are legitimate reasons for absence, and that disclosing his condition may help reduce stigma around mental health care. They may also point to his return to the House and bipartisan work on equal insurance coverage as evidence that he remains committed to serving his constituents.
The case against
Critics can argue that missing more than 100 votes in a competitive district raises valid questions about representation and accountability, whatever the reason for the absence. They may seek clearer information about how constituents’ needs were handled during that period and assess whether Kean can reliably fulfil the duties of the office going forward.
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